Columbus, OH Severance Negotiation Attorneys

Leaving a job can be challenging, confusing, stressful, and altogether complicated. A severance package – which includes the pay and benefits an employee receives when they leave their position – can help make this transition period a little less overwhelming. Before accepting a severance package, employees need to remember that they have a right to negotiate for a better deal and get a fair value from their employer.

At Coffman Legal, our Columbus, Ohio severance negotiation attorneys understand that separation from employment can be a time filled with many uncertainties. No matter your specific circumstances, you can trust that we will make sure your severance agreement protects your legal rights and financial interests. For a free, strictly confidential review of your severance agreement case, please call us at our law office today.

An Overview of Severance Pay and What It Means for You

One of the most important things to know about severance pay is that it is not “free.” As a general matter, neither Ohio state law nor U.S. federal law requires employers to offer severance pay. While many companies do offer workers severance packages after they leave the company, employers are typically not doing so solely out of their own goodwill – they are also receiving a benefit.

If your employer has offered you severance by way of a written agreement, we recommend that you speak with our Columbus, Ohio severance negotiation lawyers prior to deciding whether to accept the benefits offered. When you accept severance, employers require you to release any potential claims you may have against them (whether you know about them or not), and you are legally bound by the agreement. In other words, by accepting a severance package, you are generally agreeing not to file a lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination or many other types of employment law claims.

Make sure you protect yourself by seeking legal counsel and review before signing a severance agreement. You can be sure that your employer’s in-house or outside counsel reviewed the severance agreement that has been given for your consideration. In addition, there is a reason that nearly (if not every) severance agreement contains a clause encouraging you to speak with an attorney. Furthermore, certain types of legal rights cannot be waived in a severance agreement, making it even more important for you to speak with an attorney to avoid any confusion on such matters.

You Do Not Have to Accept the Initial Severance Offer

In many cases, employers put pressure on workers to simply accept the initial severance offer by using short time constraints. They may make the employee feel as though they must accept the severance package immediately or else risk losing the offer entirely. It is important to remember that you are not required to accept your company’s first severance package offer. You have the right to discuss the proposal with our experienced severance negotiation attorneys in Columbus, Ohio. Indeed, most, if not all, severance agreements will tell you that you should consult with your own legal counsel.

How Our Ohio Severance Negotiation Lawyers Can Help

It is highly recommended that you consult with our experienced Ohio severance negotiation attorneys before finalizing your severance agreement. With the assistance of our experienced lawyers, you will be able to fully understand any rights you are waiving prior to signing a severance agreement. Plus, our attorneys may also be able to negotiate a favorable result, including an increase in the amount of severance, more favorable terms, or other potential benefits.

Our severance negotiation lawyers in Columbus frequently represent clients who are negotiating a severance package from their employer, and we are here to make sure that you get the full and fair benefits that you rightfully deserve. In addition, we will ensure that signing the agreement – thereby releasing legal claims against your company – is truly in your best interests.